Laing O'Rourke, the lead contractor for the bushfire clean-up, has received 923 property registrations in the Bega Valley. A company spokesperson said 198 clearances were underway or complete by Friday, which equals about one fifth of properties registered. They also said the company had inspected and secured deeds of release from a further 484 properties, "enabling us to hire more local subcontractors to get the job done as quickly as possible". READ ALSO: Cobargo's main street clean-up welcomed: 'Now you can look to the future again' Last summer's bushfires destroyed 466 homes in the Bega Valley Shire, according to council's latest count, and covered about 540,000ha. "Laing O'Rourke is reminding residents and business owners impacted by the bushfires that if you have not already registered to be part of the clean-up program, now is the time to visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/register-opt-nsw-bushfire-clean or call 1800 007 539," the spokesperson said. "Anyone who has already registered is encouraged to ensure their friends, family and neighbours have also registered so they too can utilise this free service."